The Secret in the Hill | Hopalong Cassidy (12-08-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode: The Secret in the Hill | Hopalong Cassidy (12-08-51)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: June 26, 2025

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines transports listeners back to December 8, 1951, with the classic Hopalong Cassidy adventure titled The Secret in the Hill. The story unfolds in the rugged terrains of Chenango Pass, where Hopalong Cassidy and his trusty sidekick, California Carlson, embark on a mission to solve the mysterious murder of Fred Benson.

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The Mystery Unfolds

[05:07] Hopalong Cassidy receives a cryptic sign about Fred Benson's murder:
Hopalong Cassidy: "If we find the reason for Fred Benson's murder, we'll find his killer."

Determined to uncover the truth, Hopalong and California head to the Benson family’s property to gather information.

---

Encounter with the Bensons

Upon arrival, they meet Wade Benson, who recounts the tragic events leading to his son Fred's demise.
[07:12]
Wade Benson: "Fred was studying to be a mining engineer... So the morning after he got here, he set out to look over the mine."
Hopalong Cassidy: "Fred sent a note? Exactly what did it say, Benson?"

The note reveals that the mine is worthless, but Hopalong senses there's more beneath the surface.

---

Investigating the Mine

As Hopalong and California delve deeper into the mine, they confront physical dangers and suspicious characters.
[10:16]
Hopalong Cassidy: "All these boulders around here give plenty of COVID for whoever ambushed Fred Benson."
They soon encounter Pack Mule Parker, who claims ownership of the land and exhibits suspicious behavior.

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Suspects and Clues

Rod Black, the local mine supply store owner, becomes a prime suspect alongside Pack Mule Parker.
[14:44]
Rod Black: "It's this way. There's a loony old coot named Pack Mule Parker."
Hopalong Cassidy: "All right, that's one suspect. What about the other?"

Through meticulous investigation, Hopalong discovers that Fred's note was altered to conceal a valuable lead mine, revealing Rod Black as the true culprit.

---

The Climax in the Mine

Trapped in the mine due to a sabotaged tunnel, Hopalong devises a daring plan to escape:
[21:03]
Hopalong Cassidy: "I'm taking out the lead ball. I'm gonna put the blank cartridge in the end of the stick of dynamite."
Despite the perilous situation with rattlesnakes and potential flooding, Hopalong's quick thinking ensures their survival.

---

Confrontation and Resolution

Back on the surface, Hopalong accuses Rod Black of the murder:
[26:19]
Hopalong Cassidy: "You, Black. You're the only one who had a chance to change the note."
Faced with evidence, Rod Black is apprehended with the help of Pack Mule Parker, who claims his rightful reward.

---

Conclusion and Rewards

With the mystery solved, justice is served:
[27:32]
Hopalong Cassidy: "You'll get the $500 reward."
Pack Mule Parker: "Me? $500?"
The Bensons receive compensation, and Hopalong and California enjoy their hard-earned peace, ready for their next adventure.

---

Notable Quotes

• Hopalong Cassidy: "If we find the reason for Fred Benson's murder, we'll find his killer." [05:07]
• Wade Benson: "Fred was found late in the afternoon, shot dead." [08:18]
• Rod Black: "Everybody except Maraud knows that only two people are going to kill Benson." [14:35]
• Pack Mule Parker: "Everything all around here is mine by natural rights." [11:30]
• Hopalong Cassidy: "What Fred Benson found was a big vein of lead. That's why he was happy." [25:20]

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Episode Highlights

• Character Development: Hopalong Cassidy showcases his sharp detective skills and unwavering commitment to justice.
• Suspenseful Investigation: The duo navigates through deceptive clues, encounters with suspicious characters, and life-threatening situations.
• Resolution with Cleverness: Innovative problem-solving in the mine leads to uncovering the true motive behind Fred Benson's murder.

---

Conclusion

The Secret in the Hill is a quintessential Hopalong Cassidy tale, blending mystery, adventure, and the classic Western spirit. Listeners are treated to vivid storytelling, rich audio restoration, and memorable performances that bring the Wild West to life. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this episode offers an engaging journey into one of Hopalong Cassidy's most gripping cases.

---

Produced by: Walter White, Jr.
Written by: Paul Adams
Music by: Albert Glasser
Based on Characters by: Clarence E. Mulford
Production Company: Commodore

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Mason Moore]

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[Hopalong Cassidy]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines. And let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Hopalong Cassidy Original air dates December 8, 1951 and the title is the Secret in the Hill. Hope you enjoy.

[Narrator]

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[Mason Moore]

Let's go.

[Narrator]

And young Mason Moore got more done quickly uploading HD product demos and video conferencing without FreeSync.

[Brad]

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[Narrator]

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[Brad]

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[William Boyd]

With action and suspense. Out of the Old west comes the most famous hero of them all. Hopalong Cassidy. Starring William Boyd. The ring of the Silver spurs heralds the most amazing man ever to ride the prairies of the early West. Hop along, Cassidy. The same Hoppy you cheer in motion pictures and the same California you've laughed at a million times. Raw courage and quick shooting have built a legend around this famous hero. Hopalong is a name to be feared, respected and admired for this great cowboy rides the trails of adventure and excitement. William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy and Andy Clyde as California. What's our story this time, Hoffy?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It's one that I feel mighty lucky I'm alive and able to tell because it's about a time California and I had our narrowest escape. We call it the Secret in the Hill. Early one morning, we were riding through the Chenango Pass country when we noticed a sign nailed to a fence post. I pulled off the trail to read it. I don't like this, California. Listen to what this says. $500 reward wanted dead or alive. Killer of Fred Benson, son of Wade Benson of Chenango Pass. By order, Sheriff.

[California Carlson]

If they got a reward up for him, he's probably run halfway to Hallelujah by now.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Maybe so. Well, he might still be around playing possum.

[California Carlson]

I don't know, Huffy. Seems only reasonable for a killer to vamoose if he got the chance.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It depends on how and why the victim was killed. If we find the reason for Fred Benson's murder, we'll find his killer.

[California Carlson]

We will?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sure.

[California Carlson]

You mean you want us to find a reason we don't know why a murderer we don't know killed a man we don't know? No, no. That's just too many things we don't know, Hawk.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Then we better start learning the answers right now. Come on. We're riding for Chenango Pass to catch a killer.

[California Carlson]

Nobody answers. Hoppy, you figure this is the right place?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah. Wait. Benson's name is on the Gate. Knock again.

[Wade Benson]

Put up your hands, you two. I got you covered.

[California Carlson]

What?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

There.

[California Carlson]

Look, Hobby. He's scoving us from the window with a rifle.

[Wade Benson]

And I'll just keep it pointing at you while you state your business here.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't state anything with a rifle aimed at me, stranger. But if you're Wade Benson, we're here as friends.

[Wade Benson]

That ain't saying who you are.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm Hopalong Cassidy. This is my partner, California Carlson.

[Wade Benson]

Hop along, Cassidy. I'll be a son of a gun. Just a second. I'll get the door open for you.

[Mason Moore]

Hmm.

[California Carlson]

Mighty queer way for Benson to welcome callers with a rifle in his hands.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

With the murderer loose, he probably figures on playing safe.

[Wade Benson]

Well, come right in, gents. I apologize for that business at the window. I've been kind of leery of strangers lately.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I understand, Benson.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Come on out, Ma.

[Wade Benson]

It's all right, Ma. Meet Hopalong Cassidy and California Carlson.

[Mason Moore]

Why, howdy.

[California Carlson]

Howdy, ma' am.

[Mason Moore]

Won't you sit down?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Thank you, ma' am. Well, you folks may be wondering why California and I are here. The reason is we saw the sign down the road about your son being killed.

[Wade Benson]

You think you can do something about catching the skunk that murdered Fred?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I don't know yet. First I'd like to find out why he was killed. Did your son have any enemies around here?

[Mason Moore]

Enemies? He didn't know anybody hereabouts. Why, he hardly even talked to anybody before he was shot.

[Wade Benson]

Well, here's the whole story, Mr. Cassidy. Ma and me come out here just a month ago. We had our savings, $10,000, and we got a chance to buy this gold mine. Fred was studying to be a mining engineer in a college back east, and we wanted to surprise him, so we bought the mine with our savings.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

A gold mine for $10,000. Didn't that seem pretty cheap?

[Wade Benson]

Well, maybe, but the record showed that $100,000 in gold been taken out of that mine in two years. Were no doubt about it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I see. So what happened after you bought the mine?

[Wade Benson]

Well, we tried to get a loan at the bank in Columbia City for cash to work the mine. They told us the mine was no good, all worked out.

[California Carlson]

I've heard of that happening afore the gold vein peters out and there just ain't nothing left.

[Wade Benson]

Yeah, that's what they told me. I tried to find the slicker sold me the mine. Fellow named Slim Daniels. But he'd skipped out.

[Mason Moore]

We wrote our boy Fred about it, and he come out just as soon as he could get here.

[Wade Benson]

Fred figured maybe there just might be a chance we could get a little more gold out in that mine. Maybe get our money's worth back. So the morning after he got here, he set out to look over the mine.

[Mason Moore]

That's the last time we saw him.

[Wade Benson]

Yeah, he. He was found late in the afternoon, shot dead.

[California Carlson]

It's sure hard to figure.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Wait, just what did Fred do during the day? Did he go right to the mine?

[California Carlson]

No.

[Wade Benson]

First Fred borrowed some tools from Rod Black's mine supply store over in town. Then went to the mine around noontime. He sent a note for me to the store by an old prospector called Pack Mule Parker. Rod Black brung it to me later. Said the mine was no good. That's all we know.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Fred sent a note? Exactly what did it say, Benson?

[Wade Benson]

Well, I still got it right here in my wallet. You read it yourself, Mr. Cassidy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Let's see. It says there's no gold at all. It's a dead mine.

[California Carlson]

Yes. That's pretty different about the mine being no good. Too bad you couldn't get something out of it for your 10,000.

[Wade Benson]

Oh, Rod Black offered us a thousand dollars. Says he can salvage equipment, ore buckets and rock crushing machinery and such stuff. At least that's something.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

So that's the story. Fred examined the mine, sent this note and was killed.

[Wade Benson]

Well, that's it, Mr. Cassidy. His murder seems to have got away. A low down sneaking snake.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Even a snake leaves a trail, Benson and I don't intend to let this one get away.

[William Boyd]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story, the Secret in the Hill. Hoppy and California are looking into the killing of Fred Benson, who was found mysteriously shocked after he had inspected a worthless gold mine his father had bought. Having heard the story of the murder from old Mr. And Mrs. Wade Benson, Hoppy and California have ridden to the place close by the mine where Fred's body was found.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Notice something, California? All these boulders around here give plenty of COVID for whoever ambushed Fred Benson. Anyone on this trail could be followed for miles without knowing it.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Sure.

[California Carlson]

Why, the killer could be hiding behind some boulder 20ft from where we're standing right now and we'd never know it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sure.

[California Carlson]

What in suffering blue blazes?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Is there somebody laughing? The question is, where is it?

[California Carlson]

Skin me for a jackrabbit. Hey, here we come. Choppy from behind that big rock.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, what were you up to hiding those rocks, stranger?

[Pack Mule Parker]

He just wanted to show you how right she was about a body could hide out in these rocks. Me and Molly been following you for A mile. Hid every word you said to Molly.

[California Carlson]

Who's that?

[Pack Mule Parker]

Who's that? He wants to know. Come on out here, Molly, and say howdy.

[California Carlson]

Looka there, Hoppy. Molly's a mule.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, a pack mule. I guess you're Pack Mule Parker, then, stranger?

[Pack Mule Parker]

Yes, me Pack Mule Parker, he says. You know who I am? I reckon you knows. Everything around here belongs to me. And you're trespassing on my property.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Your property? You mean you got title to all this land?

[Pack Mule Parker]

Title? I don't take no stock in titles. I come out here 30 years ago when there warn't nothing but coyotes and jackrabbits living in these here hills. I was a first one here.

[Wade Benson]

Sure.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Everything all around here is mine by natural rights.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I see. And so you consider anyone who comes by a trespasser.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Sure keeps me mighty busy protecting my property. Watching everyone that comes poking around.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Listen, Parker. Were you watching that mine over there two weeks ago when young Benson came here?

[Pack Mule Parker]

Sure saw him get in. Saw him come out.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Fred Benson gave you a note to deliver, didn't he?

[Pack Mule Parker]

Yeah, he did. I come down to warn him off the property. But he gave me two bits to take this note to Rod Black's store. So's Rod could give it to his pa. He's a real nice boy, too, Art. Smiling and happy about something. Anyhow, I just went along and delivered the note to Rod straight away.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You say Fred Benson was smiling and happy?

[Pack Mule Parker]

He sure was.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I see. You know that Fred Benson was killed right here that same afternoon, don't you, Parker?

[Pack Mule Parker]

Sure, I know. Hey, where you going? Get away from my leg.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm just admiring this rifle strapped on the mule, Parker. Pretty old, beautiful handmade gun.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Oh, yeah. I brung it out from Kentucky with me. With that rifle, I can pick a flea off of my skunk's ear at a thousand yards.

[California Carlson]

Did you ever maybe pick off a trespasser like Red Benson and what you call your property?

[Pack Mule Parker]

Ah, looky here, stranger. Whether I did or whether I didn't, ain't nothing that you got to talk about. Give me back my gun, mister.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sure. Here you are. Oh, wait a minute. What's this you got carved on the gun stock?

[Pack Mule Parker]

That's my signature. Can't you see?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Oh, yes, of course. Well, California, let's get on to Rod Black's store in Chenango Pass. I want to talk with him. So long, Parker.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Better be goodbye. Cause I don't want you trespassing on my property. If you got any notions to go poking around down that mine yonder. I'M warning you, you might never come out again. That's all I gotta say.

[California Carlson]

You know, Hoppy, I get two ideas about Pat Mule Parker. One, he's plum looney. And two, he shot Fred Benson.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

California, there's no doubt that you're at least half right. Howdy. Which one of you men is Rod Black?

[Rod Black]

That's me, stranger. You looking for something in the way of mining equipment?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, just now I'm looking for some information.

[Rod Black]

You don't say. Information about what?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Fred Benson.

[Rod Black]

Fred Benson, eh? Who are you to be asking about Fred Benson?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm Hopalong Cassidy and this is California Carlson, my partner.

[Rod Black]

Well, Hopalong Cassidy. Well, now, about Fred Benson. The sheriff's laid up with a busted leg. And being a deputy, I'm handling the shooting case myself.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Then I'd like to hear your ideas about the murder.

[California Carlson]

Black, he ain't got no ideas.

[Rod Black]

Everybody except Maraud knows that only two people are going to kill Benson.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

So? Well, Black, what about these two people who could have shot Benson and Cassidy?

[Rod Black]

It's this way. There's a loony old coot named Pack Mule Parker.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, we ran into him. He's got the mistaken idea that he owns practically all the mining country around here and has to protect it against trespassers. Is it your idea that Parker figured Fred Benson was trespassing on his property and shot him?

[Rod Black]

Well, ain't no question Parker's looney. And of course, he might have done it.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

All right, that's one suspect. What about the other?

[Rod Black]

Now, I ain't sure of this neither, but some folks think it could have been Slim Daniels.

[California Carlson]

Slim Daniels? Ain't that the feller that sold that worked out gold mine to old Benson and then skipped out?

[Mason Moore]

He didn't skip out. Folks seen him skulking around through the hills. Ain't no mistaking that pinto he rides.

[Rod Black]

That's right, Cassidy. Some folks figure Fred Benson met up with Slim by accident. Fred demands the money back and goes for Daniels. Slim pulls his gun, shoots the boy. It's possible, of course.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, but it's all guesswork. We need proof, some evidence.

[Mason Moore]

Well, how you figure gonna get evidence, Mr. Cassidy?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Fred was shot shortly after he'd been down looking into that mine. There must be a connection. I'm going down into the mine to find it.

[Rod Black]

Cassidy, we're willing to help you run down whoever done the killing. But you don't need our help poking into that hole anyhow.

[California Carlson]

Good luck to you.

[Rod Black]

Come on, folks. Cassidy, I personally figure you'll be wasting time going into that mine. And besides, it's like to be kind of dangerous.

[California Carlson]

Seems like the idea that mine's mighty dangerous is kind of popular. Old Parker hinted at it too.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That's right, Black. Why is it dangerous?

[Rod Black]

These hills is kind of a loose rock formation. And that mine Benson bought never had enough timber and put up inside that tunnel ceiling could easily cave in.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I still think we'll take the chance, Black. After all, Fred Benson came out of the mine all right.

[Rod Black]

Sure, sure, Cassidy. It's your own neck you're risking.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

All right then. We'd like to borrow a few things from your stock, Black. A couple of picks and candles and a few sticks of dynamite.

[Rod Black]

Well, if you're looking for gold in that mine, even dynamite won't help you. Well, here's your stuff. There's picks, candles, dynamite, some fuse and caps. Well, will that do you?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah, that'll be fine.

[Rod Black]

Well, I'll just take it into the back room, put it all in a sack for you.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Be right out.

[California Carlson]

I ain't seen. I like the idea of going down in that hole, Hoppy. What you figuring looking for down there?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

For whatever it was Fred Benson found that made him happy and smiling when he came out and met pack mule Parker.

[California Carlson]

Hoppy, a flat refuse to go with you. What?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

California? What do you mean?

[California Carlson]

I refuse to go. Unless first we stop at that hash house down the street and eat a two pound beef steak. I'm nice starved.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

All right, California. Judging from the looks of that broken down hash house, a good steak will be as scarce as the gold in Benson's mine.

[Rod Black]

Here you are, Cassidy. Picks, candles, dynamite infused, all in the sack. Anything else I can do for you?

[California Carlson]

Just wish us luck, Blank.

[Rod Black]

Well, you'll sure need luck going into that mine.

[California Carlson]

Forget the mine, Black. Wish us luck with our beefsteak.

[William Boyd]

Now back to Hopalong Cassidy and our story, the secret in the hill.

[California Carlson]

Hoppy, I feel like we've been walking through this tunnel for miles.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, I think we're nearly at the end of the shaft. Watch it, California. Here's another sharp turn. Well, here we are. Tunnel widens into a sort of room here. This is as far as the mine goes.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, and I'm sure glad it don't go no further.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Let's set our candles on this rock shelf. Now give me one of those picks. I want to probe these walls a bit.

[California Carlson]

Right. And I'll open the shack and I'll. Hop. Hoppy, don't take another step forward. Move back slow. This way, just in front of you. Hoppy. Rattlesnakes.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Phew.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That was close. There are dozens of them.

[California Carlson]

Dozens? Look younger, Hoppy. There's a whole swarming pile of them under.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sure enough. It's a denner. Rattlers. They often hole up in an underground place like this.

[California Carlson]

Some of them are trawling toward the tunnel and. We better get out of here, Hoppy. I ain't hankering away through rattlesnakes.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

All right, California. Let's move on along the wall here.

[California Carlson]

You don't need to tell me twice.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What? Oh.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Get out of the tunnel.

[California Carlson]

What? Pop. Hoppy, the whole tunnel's caved in. It's block, Charlie.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Watch this. Night.

[California Carlson]

Come over here, Hoppy. We're trapped down here, and we can't kill off all these rattlers.

[William Boyd]

Look.

[California Carlson]

They're swarming out of that cleft in the rock.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Quick, pick up some of these splinter timbers. Start a fire. That'll keep the snakes back.

[California Carlson]

Yeah. Give me the candle. I'll start some of these slivers. Now some more of the bigger pieces.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

There. That'll do it for now.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, for now. But what'll we do next, Hoppy?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

When?

[California Carlson]

Listen. I don't hear nothing but them rattlers. Wharran.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I hear something beyond that wall. It's water. The cave in must open up a fissure. That's an underground stream.

[California Carlson]

Oh, I ain't worrying about dying of thirst. Not with all them rattlers ready to get us as soon as the fire goes out. Look.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Notice there's not as much smoke in here as there should be. That means air's coming in.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Where?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Look there. The smoke is moving toward the wall where the water sound comes from.

[California Carlson]

Yeah.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

If there's an underground stream, it means that there's some sort of tunnel. And the air movement means there's an opening.

[California Carlson]

But, Hoppy, are you gone loco? There ain't no door in that rock wall, no matter what's beyond.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

We've got dynamite. We'll blast an opening, sure, but.

[California Carlson]

No, no, no. Hold on, Hoppy. The explosion in this small space, it'll kill us.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

But that big rock in the far corner will give us some protection. But that's not the only risk. When we blast open the wall, if that underground stream is on a higher level than we are, the water will come pouring in here and drown us.

[California Carlson]

Well, that'll be quicker and better than waiting for these rattlers to kill us. I'll get out the dynamite.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Good. I'll scatter this fire to drive the snakes back from the wall. Then find a place to wedge in the dynamite.

[California Carlson]

Puppy. Here's the dynamite. Four sticks. But. But no cap. We can't explode it without caps.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No caps. No, that tunnel didn't cave in of itself. It was dynamited. Somebody removed the caps from the sack so that we couldn't blast our way out of here.

[California Carlson]

Who could have took the caps? We hid the sack and we.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

We didn't actually see Rod put the caps in. We weren't watching the sack in the restaurant when we first came to the mine. We left the sack outside for several minutes while we made sure the tunnel timbering was safe.

[California Carlson]

Well, no matter who the dirty varint was who took him, he's finished us for good. Now we. We ain't gonna change, Hoppy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

There's one chance, California. Just one. Give me that dynamite.

[California Carlson]

Huh? Yeah, yeah. Here you are. But what good is it without caps?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

There, I got it wedged in the rock wall. It'll take all four sticks to do the trick though.

[California Carlson]

But I still don't see Hobby. What you gonna do with that revolver cartridge?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I'm taking out the lead ball. I'm gonna put the blank cartridge in the end of the stick of dynamite. That'll act as a detonator just like a cap. That's how we'll explode the dynamite.

[California Carlson]

But you'll have to have some way to explode the cartridge.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Correct. We'll get behind that rock in the corner. Then I'll try to hit the cartridge cap and the dynamite with a shot from my revolver. That'll explode it if I don't miss. If I do miss, my bullet will just break up the dynamite. It's one shot. One chance.

[California Carlson]

One shot. There's hardly no light in here, Hoppy. And what little light there is is all kind of wavy and flickering and it'll be an impossible shot, Hoppy.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

I know, California, but it's our one chance to escape. Otherwise we'll stay trapped in here.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, yeah. It's rattlesnakes or drowning or the explosion itself might kill us. Well, what are we waiting for? Shoot Hobby.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

All right, crouch down behind me. You ready?

[California Carlson]

Here.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Go.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Now.

[William Boyd]

Back to Hopalong Cassidy.

[California Carlson]

Oh, God, I feel like I've been through a rock crusher. After squeezing up through that crack the blast opened up. But just seeing this daylight is all that you're a need.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Well, somebody didn't intend that we should ever see daylight again. Somebody took those caps. Somebody blasted that mine tunnel so that we'd be trapped in there for keeps.

[California Carlson]

Yeah, and just let me get my hands on the low down sneak and crawling murdering something Of a skunk, and I'll. I'll.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You'll do what?

[California Carlson]

I'm going to take this nice, big, jagged rock along with me as a souvenir and bounce it off on the varmint skull.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

But we got to find out who it is first. Say, hey, wait a minute. Let me see that piece of rock.

[California Carlson]

Huh? This? Why, sure. There you are.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Yeah. Yeah, that's it. Let's get to our horses. I got the answer to everything now.

[California Carlson]

Reckon he's out in the back room.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Black Rod Black.

[California Carlson]

Who is it?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Come out here to the front of your store.

[Rod Black]

Cassie Carson. I didn't expect you back so soon.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

The murderer didn't expect us to be back at all.

[California Carlson]

What do you mean?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Just this, Black. Fred Benson's killer saw to it that there was no dynamite caps in that sack when we got down into the mine. Then he blasted the tunnel, trying to bury us alive.

[Rod Black]

But why should he want to kill you?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Because the murderer figured we'd find out what Fred Benson found down in that mine.

[Rod Black]

And what was that?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It was what Fred Benson wrote in the note he sent you to give to his father.

[Rod Black]

Why, the note only said there wasn't no gold in the mine. That it was. Well, the way he put it, a dead mine.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, Black. What Fred wrote was, there's no gold at all. It's a lead mine. Someone changed the l in lead to a D. That's the reason Fred was killed, so that only the murderer would know that the mine was full of lead ore. Worth a fortune.

[California Carlson]

Then what you saw in this chunk of rock I picked up was lead.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

That's right, California. Our blast uncovered a big vein of lead. That's what Fred had discovered. That's why he was happy when Parker met him. And that's what he tried to tell his father in that note.

[Rod Black]

Well, then, that settles it. Pack mule Parker, bring me the note. He must have changed the word lead to dead. He must have shot Fred Benson to protect the secret. And he easy could have swiped the caps out of the sack when you weren't looking.

[California Carlson]

Why, sure.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, Black, it wasn't Parker. I examined that antique rifle of his. It won't shoot. The hammer's rusted tight. And what's more, Parker can't write. He's got what he calls his signature carved on the rifle stock. It's an X, A mark a man makes instead of a signature when he can't write.

[Rod Black]

Well, now, that being so, it throws it right back to Slim Daniels, wouldn't you say?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

No, I wouldn't say the idea of the fight between them won't stand up. Fred couldn't have recognized Daniels, the man who sold his father the mine, because he'd never seen Daniels.

[Rod Black]

Why, you never.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Now, who is the murderer?

[Rod Black]

Why, I just can't guess.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You, Black. You're the only one who had a chance to change the note. Me? Then you offered to buy out old Benson for $1,000. It wasn't for the mine machinery and equipment.

[California Carlson]

Well, I just.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

It was because you knew the secret in the hill that there was lead in the mine. Worth a fortune.

[California Carlson]

Show he's the killing var.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Here. Now, now.

[Rod Black]

Hey, that's just a guess. You got no proof. You can't accuse a man without proof. You said that yourself. Cassidy.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Black, I want to see you.

[California Carlson]

That's old Pack mule Parker. What do you want, Parker? We're busy.

[Wade Benson]

What do I want?

[Pack Mule Parker]

He asked. I'll tell you what I want. Damages. Payment for damages from you, Rod Black.

[California Carlson]

Get out of here, you crazy old fool.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Get out, he says. I'll get out when you pay me a night of four. With my own eyes I seen you dynamite that mine tunnel, blowing up my personal property. Hey, he's reaching for a gun.

[California Carlson]

Stand back, all of you.

[Rod Black]

You're not gonna take me. I tell you.

[California Carlson]

I'll shoot you all before you jump.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Hey, he's out cold. What hit him?

[California Carlson]

Just that chunk of rock from the miner flung at him. Hoppy Our Shadow was gonna bounce it off in the skull of whomsoever was the murder environment.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Good work, California. Now will you tie him up all ready for delivery to the US Marshal for arrest for murder.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Hey, if Rod Black is gonna be arrested, how'll I collect my damages?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You'll collect all right, Parker. You were saying you saw Black Dynamite. The mine was all we needed to prove his guilt. You'll get the $500 reward.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Me? $500?

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sure.

[Pack Mule Parker]

Why, I'll be rich. Molly can have all the oats she can eat forever. What'll I tell Molly?

[California Carlson]

Well, the $500 will take care of Pack mule Parker. Their lead mine will take care of Mr. And Mrs. Benson. And they'll all take care of Rod Black. There's just one more thing ought to be took care of before we leave Chenango Pass Hobby.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

What's that, California?

[California Carlson]

My appetite. Today we come so close to never eatin again. I'm hungry all over California.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

You don't mean to say you want another two pound beefsteak?

[California Carlson]

Nope. And this time I'll take a four pounder.

[William Boyd]

California's appetite doesn't entirely run along the lines of adventure, does it? But when Hoppy and his sidekick go after snakes, whether they be murderers or a mine filled with rattlers, you can be sure that a snake of any kind is no match for them. Our next adventure with Hoppy in California takes place in Abilene, where a beautiful redhead becomes the victim of a murder, and the guilty man might have got away with it if it hadn't been for the memory of Mace Milotte. Don't Miss Hopalong Cassidy, starring William Boyd, is transcribed and produced in the west by Walter White, Jr. The secret in the Hill was written by Paul Adams with original music under the personal direction of Albert Glasser. All stories are based upon the characters created by Clarence E. Mulford. This is a Commodore production.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sam Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Hopalong Cassidy]

Sam.